When an investigation was launched, she forged another document purporting to be from the school’s headmaster to persuade course leaders she had attended the institution.

Ms Nyoni’s qualification was quickly rescinded when the university found both the letter and certificate of education had been faked following inquiries made with the school.

The university also informed the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Evidence was brought before a panel for a hearing held in Ms Nyoni’s absence. The panel is also investigating an allegation that Ms Nyoni did not intend to inform her employer that her nursing qualification had been revoked.

Ms Nyoni denied the accusation that she did not intend to tell her employer in an email sent to the panel ahead of the hearing, saying she had resigned from her post on October 8.

Alison Griffiths, a legal representative for the Nursing and Midwifery Council, argued that the allegation amounts to “one of serious dishonesty”.

Ms Nyoni was issued with an interim suspension order on grounds of public protection for a full investigation to take place.

Serving the suspension order, Nigel Bremner, chair of the panel, said: “The panel considered that there are serious allegations of continuous and repeated dishonesty in this case.

“The panel also considered that, as Ms Nyoni’s nursing qualification has been revoked, she is no longer qualified to practise as a registered nurse.”

The interim suspension runs for 18 months, and will be reviewed every three months until the full case is concluded. Officials at Coventry University say applications are monitored closely.

A Coventry University spokesman said: “Sibusiso Nyoni completed a Diploma of Higher Education in Mental Health Nursing at Coventry University in 2011, but this award has since been rescinded in light of evidence indicating that her place on the course was obtained by providing false information.

“As a university we take our responsibilities seriously and will continue to monitor applications closely and, where possible, work with external organisations to support this process.”